Jonathan’s trip to South Africa not a jamboree, says senator

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Smart Adeyemi, yesterday said President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit to South Africa was not a jamboree.

He said the visit led to the signing of nine Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on economic development cooperation between the two countries.

The lawmaker said the trip also assisted to end the rivalry and suspicion between the two nations.

Adeyemi, who spoke with reporters in Abuja, said the visit would stop the hitherto maltreatment of Nigerians in South Africa.

The senator, who was in the presidential delegation, said: “President Jonathan’s visit to South Africa was not a jamboree. It was very rewarding in the sense that it focused on economic development collaboration and integration. The trip enabled the President to solidify the relationship of the government and people of Nigeria with South Africa.

“With about nine Memoranda of Understanding between the two countries, it is a pointer to a new chapter in the history of Africa because Nigeria and South Africa are the big economies on the continent.

“The two leaders succeeded in opening a new vista for continental economic integration. We should expect a new dawn of economic boom between the two countries very soon.

“The two nations have potential. They are coming together at the right time. The visit will enable other African countries to cooperate and consolidate their ties.

“So, this is a new chapter in the relationship between Nigeria and South Africa. The good thing about the MoU is that it touches every sector, including mining and power. It will create trade balance between the two nations. We should salute the two presidents for coming together to lay the foundation for a new Africa through nine memoranda.”